Mike Tyson denies reports of boxing matches with Fedor Emelianenko, Mark Hunt: “This is false”

By Josh Evanoff - February 1, 2024

Don’t expect to see Mike Tyson back in a boxing ring against Fedor Emelianenko or Mark Hunt.

Mike Tyson

‘Iron Mike’ hasn’t competed in a professional boxing match since a 2005 loss to Kevin McBride. 15 years after that defeat, Mike Tyson returned to the ring for an exhibition. On Triller Fight Club pay-per-view in November 2020, he fought to a draw with fellow legend, Roy Jones Jr.

Since then, Mike Tyson has been open about the fact that he would fight in another exhibition. However, the heavyweight legend needs a good matchup and a hefty payday. In the last three years, names such as Jake Paul have called out Tyson, to no avail.

Suddenly last month, there were reports about a return to the ring for ‘Iron Mike’. First, there was a report that he would be facing former PRIDE champion Fedor Emelianenko. ‘The Last Emperor’ retired from MMA following a knockout loss to Ryan Bader in the Bellator cage last year.

However, the Russian later showed interest in boxing and called out Mike Tyson. That being said, Emelianenko wasn’t the only man linked to the legendary boxer. Last month, Mark Hunt too, was attached to Tyson. ‘The Super Samoan’ has also had success in the ring, knocking out Sonny Bill Williams in late 2022.

Following that win, the former UFC heavyweight retired from fighting. However, last month, he announced plans to return and was quickly linked to Mike Tyson. Hunt himself confirmed the news in an interview, stating that the fight would likely take place in late 2024. However, fans shouldn’t be expecting to see the legendary boxer back in the ring against Hunt.

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Mike Tyson and Francis Ngannou

Image via: @miketyson on Instagram

Mike Tyson denies reports of boxing matches with Fedor Emelianenko and Mark Hunt

According to a report from DailyMail, ‘Iron Mike’ won’t be facing Mark Hunt. Their report came days after one of the boxer’s representatives confirmed to Chisanga Malata, that Mike Tyson won’t be fighting Fedor Emelianenko either.

“This is false,” One of Mike Tyson’s representatives told Chisanga Malata earlier this week. “Mr. Tyson has not spoken to anyone in his camp. He is not interested in doing a fight with him now or in the future.”

With this news, it seems that fans will have to keep waiting for a potential return for the boxing legend. With Mike Tyson now in his late 50s, it seems that the comeback will never come. If it does, it won’t be against MMA legends ‘The Last Emperor’, or ‘The Super Samoan’.

In the meantime, Mike Tyson will likely be busy helping Francis Ngannou for his boxing return. ‘Iron Mike’ famously assisted ‘The Predator’ in his first boxing match against Tyson Fury last October. While Tyson hasn’t confirmed plans to help train Ngannou this time around, Dewey Cooper has invited him to do so. The PFL star is set to face Anthony Joshua on March 8th.

What do you make of this news? Do you want to see Mike Tyson in a boxing match again? If so, against whom?